Portable punch

ABSTRACT

A portable key punch is described for removing material from a blank by cutting to provide a selected profile on the blank. A punch element is provided with the blank being supported upon a carrier in a predetermined orientation relative to the punch element, said carrier being supported for guided movement in two directions at 90* to one another. Adjustability is derived from a single positioning element, preferably in the form of a single shaft. This positioning element is provided with two series of notches or indentations spaced in a predetermined format to provide a multiplicity of possible profiles for the blank. That element is movable longitudinally thereof and rotationally about an axis that is offset from its own axis. Adjusting means are coupled to this positioning element and are manually operable to select the positioning needed of that element to enable the carrier and blank to be moved in a manner allowing the profile selected to be cut into said blank.

United States Patent 11 1 Muri [ 1 March 6, 1973 1541 PORTABLE PUNCH [75] Inventor: George Muri, Montreal, Quebec,

Canada [73] Assignee: Montreal,

Quebec, Canada 1221 i i1d 1v1s "19,1971 W [21] Appl.No.: 144,925

[52] US. Cl. ..83/414, 74/471, 90/l3.05, 83/522, 83/917 [51] Int. Cl ..B26d 7/06, B26f 1/12 [58] Field of Search ..83/908, 917, 588, 412, 414, 83/522; 90/1305; 74/471 [57] ABSTRACT A portable key punch is described for removing material from a blank by cutting to provide a selected profile on the blank. A punch element is provided with the blank being supported upon a carrier in a predetermined orientation relative to the punch element, said carrier being supported for guided movement in two directions at 90 to one another. Adjustability is derived from a single positioning element, preferably in the form of a single shaft. This positioning element is provided with two series of notches or indentations spaced in a predetermined format to provide a multiplicity of possible profiles for the blank. That element is movable longitudinally thereof and rotationally about an axis that is offset from its own axis. Adjusting means are coupled to this positioning element and are manually operable to select the positioning needed of that element to enable the carrier and blank to be moved in a manner allowing the profile selected to be cut into said blank.

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INVENTOR aorjz M an "1.111514 WW b A'lTORNIiYs PORTABLE PUNCH This invention relates to a portable punch that is operable for cutting material away from a blank to produce a selected profile on the same. More particularly, this invention is concerned with a portable key punch of the type that can be bench mounted, for example, in a service station office or in an office of someone employed in an automobile dealership.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It will be recognized that whenever material is being removed from a blank in order to cut a predetermined profile or contour in the same, certain basic requirements must be met. The apparatus which removes the material to provide the selected contour must be aligned relative to at least one datum surface. Subsequently there must be relative movement possible between the punch and the blank from which material is to be cut. In the past, prior art devices of this general type have tended to be bulky and cumbersome, and have involved the use of two separate mechanisms which provided the necessary adjustability and movement of the blank. Moreover, insofar as the blank might be keys for use, say, in automobile ignitions or the like, the above-mentioned mechanisms had to be sufficiently precise to provide the degree of accuracy required to enable the keys to function as intended. In other words, notches cut into a blank had to be of sufficient depth and proper alignment to enable that blank to perform as subsequently required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a key punch which is readily portable and can be mounted upon a bench or similar surface. Movement in two directions for purposes of properly positioning the blank are derived from a singular positioning element which is preferably in the form of a single shaft. This positioning element is capable of both longitudinal movement, and eccentric, rotational movement, with such movements being in planes disposed 90 apart. The positioning element is in operative relation to a carrier which functions to releasably support the blank and enable the same to be moved thereby allowing material to be cut therefrom according to the profile selected.

There is accordingly provided a portable punch for removing material from a blank to form a selected profile thereon comprising a body frame having an actuating handle pivotally mounted on the same, punch means movable mounted on the body frame in operative relation to the actuating handle, the punch means being driven on a cutting stroke by actuation of the handle; a carrier for supporting said blank securely thereon, the carrier being movable relative to the body frame to enable positioning the blank for removing said material; unitary positioning means mounted on the body frame for both longitudinal movement, and eccentric rotational movement, said movements being in planes disposed 90 apart, the positioning means being operatively coupled to the carrier to effect moving the same for positioning the blank relative to said punch means; and adjusting means operatively connected to the positioning means to effect selectively locating the same for enabling the material to be cut from the blank in forming said selected profile. The positioning means preferably comprises a single elongated shaft member having a first and a second series of notches therein, with stop means being provided on the body frame for releasably engaging the notches, one series of notches being disposed longitudinally of the shaft member and the other series being provided peripherally of the same, such notches being spaced apart in a predetermined configuration to enable cutting the blank to said selected one of a multiplicity of possible profiles. Also preferably, the carrier is slideably supported on plate means provided on the body frame for enabling movement in directions parallel to said two planar directions apart. In one embodiment of the present apparatus, the adjusting means comprises an actuating lever for providing said movement longitudinally of the positioning means, and an adjusting wheel that is connected to the positioning means independently of said actuating lever for providing said rotational movement.

It is therefore an abject of the invention to provide an improved punch apparatus that is portable and can be bench-mounted.

It is also an object herein to provide an apparatus for enabling material to be removed from a blank by cutting to a selected profile, the blank being positionable in two directions 90 apart by motion derived from a unitary positioning means.

These and other objects and features of this invention will become apparent from the detail description below, especially when read in conjunction with the ac companying drawings that illustrate only one preferred embodiment of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a portable punch apparatus of the type described herein;

FIG. 2 is a plan view taken in section along line 2-2 of the punch apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view taken partly in section along line 33 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to the same part in each figure, one preferred embodiment of the present portable punch apparatus is shown overall at l. The punch apparatus 1 comprises a body frame 10 that is somewhat boot-shaped in side elevation, having a somewhat vertically elongated heel portion 11 and a toe portion 11'. The body frame 10 will usually be manufactured from cast iron or other such material having substantial strength properties. Disposed within the heel portion 11 of the portable punch apparatus 1 is a punch guide or die 12. This die 12 is tubular in cross section, being adapted to slideably receive an elongated punch element 14 therein which has a cutting edge 14. The die 12 and punch 14 are positioned generally coaxially of one another, and the punch element 14 is pivotally connected by means of a movable pin 16 toan actuating handle 18. The actuating handle 18 is itself pivotally connected by means of a fixed pivot pin 20 to the upper end of the heel portion 11 0f the punch apparatus 1. Pressing downwardly of the actuating handle 18 will cause pivoting movement thereof in a direction that is clockwise in FIG. 1, and simultaneously cause the punch element 14 to be driven downwardly on a cutting stroke. Such downward motion of the punch element 14 will cause the cutting edge 14' to engage a blank 22 that is preferably in the form of a key blank, and remove material therefrom by a cutting action. As best seen in FIG. 3, releasing the actuating handle 18 will remove the downward bias on the punch element 14. This allows a compression spring 13 to exert an upwardly directed force upon the punch element 14 by virtue of a securing pin 15 which couples a guide bushing 17 to the punch element 14, the compression spring 13 being positioned between the guide bushing 17 and the punch guide or die 12. It will be recognized that the punch and die assembly are mounted in a borehole 19 provided in the heel portion 1 1 of the punch apparatus 1.

The blank 22 is firmly but removably secured to a carrier 24, being positioned on the carrier in proper alignment by abutting against alignment surfaces 26 (see FIG. 2) and 28. These two surfaces are provided on the carrier 24, being disposed at 90 to one another. The surface 26 provides a datum for positioning the blank 22 in a direction longitudinally of itself, while the surface 28 provides a datum from which the depth of cuts or notches made in the blank 22 are measured. The blank 22 is firmly secured in place by engagement with a protruding gripping edge 30 of a clamp assembly 32 whose gripping action can be tightened down or loosened off by manual manipulation'of a handle 34. The handle 34 is provided with a threaded connecting portion 35 which engages a correspondingly threaded borehole 37 in the carrier 24. A compression spring 39 is also provided in the clamping assembly 32 for purposes of spring loading that assembly. The carrier 24 is provided with a slot 36 extending across the same, this slot serving to slideably receive a plate 38 which is securely fastened to the body frame 10. The slot 36 will, of course, be so dimensioned as to allow adequate travel in directions both longitudinally and transversely of the axis of the blank 22, i.e., relative to datum surfaces 26 and 28.

The carrier 24 is provided with a second slot or channelway 40 which extends transversely of the carrier from one edge to the edge opposite thereto. in the particular embodiment shown here, the slot 40 is approximately square in cross section, although other forms might also be used. A unitary positioning element shown overall at 42 includes two diametrically enlarged end sections 41 rotatably supported in bosses 44 provided along side edges 45 of the toe portion 11'. One end 41 has flats" 41 (FIG. 2) to allow replacing element 42 via slot 40.

The single positioning element 42 also includes a central portion 43 that is cylindrical and has an axis which is off-set from the axis of enlarged end sections 41. This can best be seen in FIG. 2. Moreover, because of that arrangement, the cylindrical central section 43 will rotate eccentrically about the axis of the end sections 41. The axially off-set central section 43 is provided with a series of notches or grooves 48 which are spaced apart longitudinally of that section. The grooves 48 extend circumferentially around the central section 43, and are spaced apart with a constant pitch between each groove or indentation. Operatively associated with these longitudinally spaced apart grooves or notches 48 is a spring-loaded pin assembly 50 that is supported in a threaded bore hole provided in the carrier 24. This pin assembly 50 is adjustably positioned in its bore hole, and locked therein by a lock nut 51. The pin assembly 50 also has a spring-loaded ball 52 retained therein for engagement with the notches 48. It will be apparent from FIG. 2 that the pin assembly 50 includes provision of the spring loaded ball 52 and a backing pin whose longitudinal axis is offset from the longitudinal axis of the overall pin assembly 50. This offset relationship of the axis is beneficial in providing a degree of fine adjustment, since the ball 52 coacts with and rides in the peripheral grooves 48. The eccentricity and adjustability of the threaded engagement of pin assembly 50 in its boreallows some flexibility in the ini tial positioning of the element 42, longitudinally thereof. This flexibility in the initial positioning of the element 42 compensates, say, for some wear, misalignment or the like. A manually-operable actuating lever 54 is pivotally supported on the body frame 10 by means of a pivot pin 56. The innermost end of the actuating lever 54 is provided with an actuating pin 58 that may be press-fitted or otherwise firmly secured therein. The actuating pin 58 is slideably received within a slot 60 provided in the bottom face of the carrier 24 so that reciprocal rotary motion of the actuating lever 54 in the directions shown by arrow 61 (FIG. 2) will cause the carrier 24 and key blank 22 to be movable longitudinally of the latter and also longitudinally of the actuating element 42. An aperture 62 is provided in.

the handle portion of the actuating lever 54 to enable the same to be selectively positioned relative to the graduated markings on a scale 64 mounted on the punch apparatus 1.

To provide the above-mentioned eccentric rotational movement and consequent placement of the blank 22 relative to the datum surface 28, one of the end sections 41 of the positioning element 42 is axially elongated. An adjusting wheel 66 is coupledto the axiallyelongated end portion 41 and is provided with a suitable scale 67 (see FIG. 4) on the outer periphery of the same. Associated with the scale on the adjusting wheel 66 is a series of axially-extending notches or grooves 68 which are spaced apart circumferentially with a pitch that is constant. The notches 68 are provided on the outer periphery of the elongated section 41 in this particular embodiment, and are to be releasably engaged by a spring-load ball 69 provided in a pin assembly 70 that is similar to the pin assembly 50. Due to the similar construction of the pin assembly 70 to pin assembly 50, the flexibility and fine adjustment feature of the assembly 50 will also be possible in connection with the initial, annular positioning or placement of the shaft element 42. In this instance, the pin assembly 70 is mounted with threaded engagement in a bore hole provided within the boss portion 44 in which the elongated end portion 41 is rotatably supported. A lock nut 70 secures pin assembly 70 in place, yet still allows fine adjustment as desired. A corrugated washer 71 serves to provide a degree of spring loading of the adjusting wheel 66. Both the adjusting wheel 66 and the elongated end portion 41 are apertured as shown at 73 and 73 in order to receive a coupling pin 72. This coupling pin 72 is adapted to come into abutment with a stop pin 74 that is fixedly secured within the body frame of the punch apparatus 1. The stop pin 74 serves to limit the amount of rotational movement possible for the adjusting wheel 66 and consequently eccentric rotational movement of the axially-off-set cylindrical section 43 of the positioning element 42. Limiting rotational movement will of course limit positioning of the carrier 24 and blank 22 in a direction transverse to the datum surface 28.

It will be recognized that in reducing or modifying a blank 22 to a useful key or the like, the profile cut into the same must be made up of indentations or V-type of cuts of a predetermined depth and size. Moreover, these cuts must be made to within a certain degree of accuracy in order to be operable, for example, in opening a lock. It is therefore to be emphasized that the graduations in the peripheral scale 67 on the adjusting wheel 66 or the scale 64 associated with adjusting lever 54 will be capable of providing a great multiplicity of possible profiles. A selected profile is obtainable by reference to a code number that indicates the settings to be used on the two dials associated with the two directions of movement of the blank 22 in the punch apparatus 1. Moreover, it will be apparent that in those cases where the punch apparatus 1 might be used to cut out a series of automobile ignition keys, the positioning element 42 might be provided with circumferentiallyextending notches 48 and longitudinally or axially-extending notches or grooves 68 that are of a certain depth and pitch applicable to automobiles or trucks produced by one automotive manufacturer. Replacement of the positioning element 42 could be made quickly in order to provide an entirely new set of notches with spacings appropriate for some other automotive manufacturer. Such replacement is facilitated in this instance by providing the flats 41 on opposite sides of one enlarged end section 41 of element 42. The present punch apparatus 1 can therefore easily be used with a considerable degree of flexibility.

Certain modifications can of course be made to the basic concept illustrated in the present preferred embodiment. The positioning element 42 can, for example, involve a central section which has a cam-like cross section, instead of the cylindrical and axially-off-set arrangement described above. Alternatively, the end sections shown at 41 by which the present positioning element 42 is mounted could themselves be capable of eccentric rotary movement. Within the basic concept illustrated herein, therefore, various modifications can be made within the spirit of this invention to provide a single or unitary positioning element which is capable of effecting movement of a carrier on which a blank is fixedly supported for positioning that blank in relation to two datum surfaces that are right angles to one another. The arrangement illustrated herein is preferred for its ease of manufacture and simplicity. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications are comprehended within the spirit of this invention as would be apparent to those skilled in this art, and as encompassed by the claims below.

1 Claim:

1. A portable punch for removing material from a blank to form a selected profile thereon, comprising:

a body frame having an actuating handle pivotally mounted on the same;

punch means movably mounted on the body frame in operative relation to the actuating handle, the punch means being driven on a cutting stroke by actuation of the handle;

a carrier for supporting said blank securely thereon,

the carrier being movable relative to said body frame to enable positioning of the blank for removing said material therefrom;

unitary positioning means mounted on the body frame for both longitudinal movement, and eccentric rotational movement, said movements being in planes disposed apart, the positioning means being operatively coupled to the carrier to effect moving the same for positioning the blank relative to said punch means; and

adjusting means operatively connected to the positioning means to effect selectively locating the same for enabling material to be cut from the blank in forming said selected profile.

2. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a single elongated shaft member having a first and a second series of notches therein, with stop means being provided on the body frame for releaseably engaging the notches, one series of notches being disposed longitudinally and the other series provided on the periphery of the shaft member, such notches being spaced apart in a predetermined configuration to enable cutting the blank to said selected one of a multiplicity of possible profiles.

3. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier is slidably supported on plate means provided on the body frame for enabling movement in directions parallel to said two planar directions 90 apart.

4. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprises an adjusting lever and an adjusting wheel, both being connected to said unitary positioning means, the adjusting lever being operative for providing the longitudinal movement of the positioning means, while the adjusting wheel effects the eccentric rotational movement of the same.

5. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means is in the form of a single shaft having a central axis, the shaft being movable longitudinally thereof and rotationally about an axis offset from the central axis with such movements being in planes perpendicular to one another.

6. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means is in the form of a single elongated element which has a first series and a second series of notches thereon, the first series of notches being disposed longitudinally of said element with a constant pitch between such notches, the second series of notches being positioned peripherally of the elongated element.

7. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein guide means in the form of a plate member is securely fixed to the body frame for providing guided support to the carrier, said guide means also serving, in use, as a backing for the punch means.

8. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprise an actuating lever for providing said movement longitudinally of the positioning means, and an adjusting wheel that is connected to the positioning means independently of said actuating lever for providing said rotational movement of the former.

9. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said punch means is slideably mounted in a die which provides guided support for the same, said die having spring means therein for automatically and positively retracting said punch means to return the actuating handle to its normal rest position.

10. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said carrier is provided with two reference surfaces thereon,

such surfaces being perpendicular to one another with m 

1. A portable punch for removing material from a blank to form a selected profile thereon, comprising: a body frame having an actuating handle pivotally mounted on the same; punch means movably mounted on the body frame in operative relation to the actuating handle, the punch means being driven on a cutting stroke by actuation of the handle; a carrier for supporting said blank securely thereon, the carrier being movable relative to said body frame to enable positioning of the blank for removing said material therefrom; unitary positioning means mounted on the body frame for both longitudinal movement, and eccentric rotational movement, said movements being in planes disposed 90* apart, the positioning means being operatively coupled to the carrier to effect moving the same for positioning the blank relative to said punch means; and adjusting means operatively connected to the positioning means to effect selectively locating the same for enabling material to be cut from the blank in forming said selected profile.
 1. A portable punch for removing material from a blank to form a selected profile thereon, comprising: a body frame having an actuating handle pivotally mounted on the same; punch means movably mounted on the body frame in operative relation to the actuating handle, the punch means being driven on a cutting stroke by actuation of the handle; a carrier for supporting said blank securely thereon, the carrier being movable relative to said body frame to enable positioning of the blank for removing said material therefrom; unitary positioning means mounted on the body frame for both longitudinal movement, and eccentric rotational movement, said movements being in planes disposed 90* apart, the positioning means being operatively coupled to the carrier to effect moving the same for positioning the blank relative to said punch means; and adjusting means operatively connected to the positioning means to effect selectively locating the same for enabling material to be cut from the blank in forming said selected profile.
 2. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means comprises a single elongated shaft member having a first and a second series of notches therein, with stop means being provided on the body frame for releaseably engaging the notches, one series of notches being disposed longitudinally and the other series provided on the periphery of the shaft member, such notches being spaced apart in a predetermined configuration to enable cutting the blank to said selected one of a multiplicity of possible profiles.
 3. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the carrier is slidably supported on plate means provided on the body frame for enabling movement in directions parallel to said two planar directions 90* apart.
 4. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprises an adjusting lever and an adjusting wheel, bOth being connected to said unitary positioning means, the adjusting lever being operative for providing the longitudinal movement of the positioning means, while the adjusting wheel effects the eccentric rotational movement of the same.
 5. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means is in the form of a single shaft having a central axis, the shaft being movable longitudinally thereof and rotationally about an axis offset from the central axis with such movements being in planes perpendicular to one another.
 6. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said positioning means is in the form of a single elongated element which has a first series and a second series of notches thereon, the first series of notches being disposed longitudinally of said element with a constant pitch between such notches, the second series of notches being positioned peripherally of the elongated element.
 7. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein guide means in the form of a plate member is securely fixed to the body frame for providing guided support to the carrier, said guide means also serving, in use, as a backing for the punch means.
 8. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjusting means comprise an actuating lever for providing said movement longitudinally of the positioning means, and an adjusting wheel that is connected to the positioning means independently of said actuating lever for providing said rotational movement of the former.
 9. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said punch means is slideably mounted in a die which provides guided support for the same, said die having spring means therein for automatically and positively retracting said punch means to return the actuating handle to its normal rest position.
 10. The punch apparatus of claim 1, wherein said carrier is provided with two reference surfaces thereon, such surfaces being perpendicular to one another with said blank being positioned against such surfaces to align the same. 